Every year, the auctions around Scottsdale (Arizona) are the first measuring point for how the classic car market is doing. With a comparatively weak dollar, buying in the USA can also be interesting for Europeans if the offer is right. On January 25, 2024, Bonhams will be offering 82 automobiles and a Vespa team worth around USD 16.1 million at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. 63% of the vehicles will even be auctioned without a reserve price.
On average, the cars are over 69 years old and the proportion of pre-war vehicles is comparatively high at 30 percent, which also has to do with collections and museum holdings that are going under the hammer in Scottsdale.
In fact, three of the five most expensive cars are from the pre-war period.
The Duesenberg Model J with Franay bodywork
Most Duesenbergs were probably bodied in the USA; the 1931 Model J, which was presented with a Franay body at the Paris Motor Show at the time, is a body from Paris.
The 265 hp car was sold to Queen Maria of Yugoslavia at the time and was fitted with different mudguards early on.
Apparently the engine, chassis and body are still original, but have of course been restored. Now USD 2 to 3 million is expected.
A Bugatti Type 57 Atalante from 1936, equipped with a retractable roof, is not expected to be much cheaper. Chassis 57432 took part in the 1938 Rallye des Alpes and now belonged to the jeweler Charles Olivero. The asking price is now USD 1.5 to 1.8 million.
And then there is the 1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 as a Fleetwood Roadster, which is on the books at USD 1 to 1.2 million.
Super classics from European manufacturers
Although 42% of the cars come from the USA, almost all of the more valuable super classics are European vehicles.
A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is looking for a new owner for USD 1.5 to 1.7 million.
For USD 1.1 to 1.3 million you can buy a Ferrari 250 GT "Ellena" from 1958.
For a 1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider, USD 600,000 to 700,000 is due, while a 1973 Dino 246 GTS was estimated at USD 350,000 to 450,000.
Two Aston Martin DB6s from 1966 and 1965 are less expensive, with a hammer price of USD 100,000 to 200,000, although no minimum price is expected here. So it could also be cheaper.
There are also super classics from Jaguar (XK, E) and Mercedes-Benz (Pagoda, 190 SL) as well as Porsche (356, 911) in almost all price ranges.
Trouvailles away from the big names
However, almost more exciting than the names and type designations are the rarities that are not so often found at auctions.
A Bristol 401 from 1953 (USD 60,000 to 70,000) stood out, as did a Talbot-Lago 2500 Sport from 1956 (USD 375,000 to 425,000).
The unique Talbot-Lago T-15 "Baby" from 1955 with Barou bodywork, which is almost reminiscent of later Bristol models, is also something special.
Things get really exotic when we turn to the 1967 Toyota Corona 1900 Deluxe (USD 14,000 to 18,000) or the 1966 Wolseley Hornet Mk II (USD 14,000 to 18,000).
Even rarer was the Moretti 500 from 1969 (USD 15,000 to 25,000).
British rarities such as the Hillman Minx IIIA convertible from 1960 (USD 10,000 to 15,000) are also not found every day.
The same applies to the Reliant Regal MkIII from 1957 (USD 10,000 to 15,000) or a Panhard PL 17 from 1961 (USD 20,000 to 30,000).
There are also special rarities for US car enthusiasts, e.g. a 1955 Studebaker President Speedster (USD 50,000 to 70,000) or a 1950 Ford Custom Deluvxe Station Wagon (USD 30,000 to 40,000).
The offer is extensive and not overpriced. Further information and photos can be found on the Bonhams website.
Offered Vehicles
The following table lists all offered vehicles with estimated prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid at the time of publication. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | NoR | USD Est from | USD Est to | CHF Est from | CHF Est to | EUR Est from | EUR Est to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | Vespa 150 Super VBC with Sidecar | 1966 | Yes | 10'000 | 15'000 | 8400 | 12'600 | 9000 | 13'500 |
| 03 | Moretti 500 | 1969 | Yes | 15'000 | 25'000 | 12'600 | 21'000 | 13'500 | 22'500 |
| 04 | Honda N600 "Woodie" Wagon | 1971 | Yes | 14'000 | 18'000 | 11'760 | 15'120 | 12'600 | 16'200 |
| 05 | Autobianchi Bianchina First Series Transformabile Coupé | 1959 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 21'000 | 29'400 | 22'500 | 31'500 |
| 06 | Hillman Minx IIIA Convertible | 1960 | Yes | 10'000 | 15'000 | 8400 | 12'600 | 9000 | 13'500 |
| 07 | Citroën 2CV | 1948 | Yes | 12'000 | 18'000 | 10'080 | 15'120 | 10'800 | 16'200 |
| 08 | Citroën ID 19 Berline | 1959 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 33'600 | 42'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 09 | Toyota Corona 1900 Deluxe | 1967 | Yes | 14'000 | 18'000 | 11'760 | 15'120 | 12'600 | 16'200 |
| 10 | Wolseley Hornet Mk II | 1966 | Yes | 14'000 | 18'000 | 11'760 | 15'120 | 12'600 | 16'200 |
| 11 | Reliant Regal MkIII | 1957 | Yes | 10'000 | 15'000 | 8400 | 12'600 | 9000 | 13'500 |
| 12 | Panhard PL 17 Sedan | 1961 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 16'800 | 25'200 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 13 | Plymouth PT Pickup Truck | 1937 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 16'800 | 25'200 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 14 | Volvo 1800E | 1970 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'200 | 33'600 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 15 | Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454/365 Coupe | 1971 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 29'400 | 37'800 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 16 | Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon | 1966 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 126'000 | 168'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 |
| 17 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon | 1965 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'200 | 42'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 18 | Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Soft Top | 1994 | Yes | 70'000 | 90'000 | 58'800 | 75'600 | 63'000 | 81'000 |
| 19 | Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 'HGTE' | 2010 | 190'000 | 230'000 | 159'600 | 193'200 | 171'000 | 207'000 | |
| 20 | Packard Twelve Series 1407 Coupe Roadster | 1936 | 325'000 | 375'000 | 273'000 | 315'000 | 292'500 | 337'500 | |
| 21 | Bentley Azure Convertible | 2007 | Yes | 100'000 | 130'000 | 84'000 | 109'200 | 90'000 | 117'000 |
| 22 | Ford Model 18 V-8 Deluxe Roadster | 1932 | Yes | 38'000 | 48'000 | 31'920 | 40'320 | 34'200 | 43'200 |
| 23 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1969 | 120'000 | 150'000 | 100'800 | 126'000 | 108'000 | 135'000 | |
| 24 | Chevrolet Corvette 'Split Window' Coupe | 1963 | Yes | 80'000 | 140'000 | 67'200 | 117'600 | 72'000 | 126'000 |
| 25 | Ford GT | 2006 | 375'000 | 475'000 | 315'000 | 399'000 | 337'500 | 427'500 | |
| 26 | Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Roadster | 1930 | 1'000'000 | 1'200'000 | 840'000 | 1'008'000 | 900'000 | 1'080'000 | |
| 27 | Kaiser Deluxe Jade Dragon | 1951 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 21'000 | 29'400 | 22'500 | 31'500 |
| 28 | Buick Special Series 40 Convertible Coupe | 1940 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 33'600 | 42'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 29 | Chevrolet Panel Van | 1946 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 29'400 | 37'800 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 30 | Ford Model 68 V8 Phaeton | 1936 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 29'400 | 37'800 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 31 | Ford Model 11-A Special Deluxe Sedan | 1941 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'200 | 33'600 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 32 | Ford Custom Deluxe Station Wagon | 1950 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'200 | 33'600 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 33 | Edsel Villager Station Wagon | 1959 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 29'400 | 37'800 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 34 | Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible | 1964 | Yes | 100'000 | 140'000 | 84'000 | 117'600 | 90'000 | 126'000 |
| 35 | Nash Rambler Custom Convertible | 1953 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 21'000 | 29'400 | 22'500 | 31'500 |
| 36 | Hudson Hornet V8 Custom Sedan | 1957 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'200 | 33'600 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 37 | Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan | 1931 | 2'000'000 | 3'000'000 | 1'680'000 | 2'520'000 | 1'800'000 | 2'700'000 | |
| 38 | Fiat 500 C Topolino Belvedere | 1953 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'200 | 33'600 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 39 | Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet | 1989 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 42'000 | 58'800 | 45'000 | 63'000 |
| 40 | Ferrari 250 GT Coupe | 1958 | 1'100'000 | 1'300'000 | 924'000 | 1'092'000 | 990'000 | 1'170'000 | |
| 41 | Chevrolet Corvette Big Block Coupe | 1967 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 58'800 | 84'000 | 63'000 | 90'000 |
| 42 | Talbot-Lago 2500 Sport Coupe | 1956 | 375'000 | 425'000 | 315'000 | 357'000 | 337'500 | 382'500 | |
| 43 | Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe | 1953 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 92'400 | 117'600 | 99'000 | 126'000 | |
| 44 | Dino 246 GTS | 1973 | 350'000 | 450'000 | 294'000 | 378'000 | 315'000 | 405'000 | |
| 45 | Porsche 356B T5 1600 Roadster | 1961 | 170'000 | 190'000 | 142'800 | 159'600 | 153'000 | 171'000 | |
| 46 | Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spider | 1970 | 600'000 | 700'000 | 504'000 | 588'000 | 540'000 | 630'000 | |
| 47 | Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 'OTS' Roadster | 1971 | 80'000 | 100'000 | 67'200 | 84'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 | |
| 48 | Bentley Continental T Coupe | 1997 | 90'000 | 120'000 | 75'600 | 100'800 | 81'000 | 108'000 | |
| 49 | Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Sunroof Coupe | 1936 | 1'500'000 | 1'800'000 | 1'260'000 | 1'512'000 | 1'350'000 | 1'620'000 | |
| 50 | Talbot-Lago T-15 "Baby" | 1955 | Yes | 90'000 | 120'000 | 75'600 | 100'800 | 81'000 | 108'000 |
| 51 | Jaguar XK120 OTS | 1952 | Yes | 100'000 | 120'000 | 84'000 | 100'800 | 90'000 | 108'000 |
| 52 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster | 1962 | Yes | 140'000 | 160'000 | 117'600 | 134'400 | 126'000 | 144'000 |
| 53 | Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet | 1964 | Yes | 125'000 | 150'000 | 105'000 | 126'000 | 112'500 | 135'000 |
| 54 | Sunbeam Tiger Mark I | 1965 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 63'000 | 84'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 |
| 55 | Bristol 401 Sports Coupe | 1953 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 50'400 | 67'200 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 56 | Hudson Greater Eight Series T Sport Roadster | 1931 | 150'000 | 180'000 | 126'000 | 151'200 | 135'000 | 162'000 | |
| 57 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe | 1956 | 1'500'000 | 1'700'000 | 1'260'000 | 1'428'000 | 1'350'000 | 1'530'000 | |
| 58 | Hudson Model L Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton | 1929 | 150'000 | 180'000 | 126'000 | 151'200 | 135'000 | 162'000 | |
| 59 | Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupe | 1966 | 100'000 | 120'000 | 84'000 | 100'800 | 90'000 | 108'000 | |
| 60 | Chevrolet Corvette | 1961 | Yes | 90'000 | 120'000 | 75'600 | 100'800 | 81'000 | 108'000 |
| 61 | Jaguar E-Type Series 1 1⁄2 4.2 Roadster | 1968 | 160'000 | 190'000 | 134'400 | 159'600 | 144'000 | 171'000 | |
| 62 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Touring Limousine | 1965 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 42'000 | 58'800 | 45'000 | 63'000 |
| 63 | Land Rover Defender 110 NAS | 1993 | 110'000 | 130'000 | 92'400 | 109'200 | 99'000 | 117'000 | |
| 64 | Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring | 1931 | 100'000 | 125'000 | 84'000 | 105'000 | 90'000 | 112'500 | |
| 65 | Rambler Model 34 Touring | 1908 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 33'600 | 42'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 66 | Mitchell Model E 20hp Runabout | 1907 | Yes | 50'000 | 60'000 | 42'000 | 50'400 | 45'000 | 54'000 |
| 67 | Mercer Series 5 Sporting | 1921 | 90'000 | 110'000 | 75'600 | 92'400 | 81'000 | 99'000 | |
| 68 | Packard Model 640 Custom Eight Five Passenger Touring | 1929 | 100'000 | 150'000 | 84'000 | 126'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 | |
| 69 | Pathfinder Series XIV Model A Touring | 1914 | Yes | 45'000 | 60'000 | 37'800 | 50'400 | 40'500 | 54'000 |
| 70 | Everitt Six 48 Touring Car | 1912 | Yes | 50'000 | 60'000 | 42'000 | 50'400 | 45'000 | 54'000 |
| 71 | Cunningham Series V-4 Model 82-A Town Limousine | 1922 | 100'000 | 120'000 | 84'000 | 100'800 | 90'000 | 108'000 | |
| 72 | Franklin Airman Sport Tourer | 1924 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 33'600 | 42'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 73 | Shelby GT500 KR Convertible | 1968 | 190'000 | 240'000 | 159'600 | 201'600 | 171'000 | 216'000 | |
| 74 | Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster Racer | 1961 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 84'000 | 109'200 | 90'000 | 117'000 | |
| 75 | Packard 733 Standard Eight Phaeton | 1930 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 92'400 | 117'600 | 99'000 | 126'000 | |
| 76 | BMW 327/328 Sports Cabriolet | 1939 | 250'000 | 300'000 | 210'000 | 252'000 | 225'000 | 270'000 | |
| 77 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon | 1965 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'200 | 42'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 78 | Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Standard Steel Saloon | 1955 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 16'800 | 25'200 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 79 | Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon | 1965 | Yes | 100'000 | 140'000 | 84'000 | 117'600 | 90'000 | 126'000 |
| 80 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1970 | 80'000 | 100'000 | 67'200 | 84'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 | |
| 81 | Studebaker President Speedster | 1955 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 42'000 | 58'800 | 45'000 | 63'000 |
| 82 | Winton Model 40 Seven-Passenger Touring | 1922 | Yes | 45'000 | 55'000 | 37'800 | 46'200 | 40'500 | 49'500 |
| 83 | Cadillac Racer | 1914 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'200 | 42'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 84 | Mercer Series 5 Runabout | 1922 | 80'000 | 100'000 | 67'200 | 84'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column NoR = No Reserve (no minimum price), Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
